The government should consider very seriously "sensible amendments" to its bill on paramilitary fugitives, a former Labour NI Secretary has said...
The government should consider very seriously "sensible amendments" to its bill on paramilitary fugitives, a former Labour NI Secretary has said. The proposals cover up to 150 people wanted for crimes committed before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Paul Murphy acknowledged a 2003 deal did not require on-the-runs to appear in person before a special tribunal. But he said consideration should be given to deal with victims possibly having to appear, but not the accused. Secretary of State Peter Hain has been defending the bill in the Commons debate. It has attracted sustained criticism from both the opposition and some of his own backbenchers.
The legislation will deal with people suspected of terrorism who have not been brought to court and those who have fled prison.
